whr 4211 rpt - a100.gov.bc.caa100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/acat/documents/r1490/whr_4211...Painted Turtle...

Wildlife Habitat Interpretations of the Terrestrial Ecosystems

on Mission Tree Farm License 26

DRAFT

Submitted by

K.L. MacKenzie Iverson & MacKenzie Biological Consulting Ltd.

P.O. Box 511, Lac La Hache V0K 1T0

Submitted to

Kim Allan District of Mission

Mission, B.C.

Ken MacKenzie, RPBio March, 2004

Mission TFL 26 Wildlife Habitat Mapping Page ii

Iverson & MacKenzie Biological Consulting Ltd. 11/24/04

TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Figures ........................................................................................................................... iv

List of Tables ...............................................................................................................................v

Acknowledgements.................................................................................................................... vi

1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................. 1

2. PROJECT TEAM................................................................................................................. 1

3. STUDY AREA....................................................................................................................... 1

4. METHODS ............................................................................................................................ 2

Wildlife Habitat Mapping Methods........................................................................................... 2 4.1.1 Relationship Between TEM and Wildlife Habitat Mapping............................. 4 4.1.2 Uses of Wildlife Habitat Mapping....................................................................... 4 4.1.3 Species Accounts ................................................................................................... 4 4.1.4 Sampling strategy.................................................................................................. 5 4.1.5 Field inspection types............................................................................................ 5 4.1.6 Inspection locations............................................................................................... 8

Presentation Maps...................................................................................................................... 8

5. RESULTS .............................................................................................................................. 8

5.1 Sampling......................................................................................................................... 8

Species habitat capability and suitability. ................................................................................. 8 5.1.1 General Habitat Types found in Mission TFL 26. ............................................. 8 5.1.2 Tailed Frog ............................................................................................................ 8 5.1.3 Red-legged Frog .................................................................................................... 8 5.1.4 Painted Turtle........................................................................................................ 8 5.1.5 Peregrine Falcon ................................................................................................... 8 5.1.6 Band-tailed pigeon ................................................................................................ 8 5.1.7 Pacific water shrew............................................................................................... 8 5.1.8 Trowbridge’s Shrew ............................................................................................. 8 5.1.9 Townsend’s big-eared bat .................................................................................... 8 5.1.10 Black-tailed deer ................................................................................................... 8

6. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 8

Appendix 1 Species Accounts...................................................................................................... 8

Tailed Frog................................................................................................................................. 8

Mission TFL 26 Wildlife Habitat Mapping Page iii


Red-legged Frog......................................................................................................................... 8

Painted Turtle............................................................................................................................. 8

Peregrine Falcon........................................................................................................................ 8

Band-tailed Pigeon..................................................................................................................... 8

Pacific Water Shrew................................................................................................................... 8

Trowbridge’s Shrew ................................................................................................................... 8

Townsend’s Big-eared Bat......................................................................................................... 8

Columbia Black-tailed Deer ...................................................................................................... 8

Appendix 2. Final Ratings Table ................................................................................................ 8

Mission TFL 26 Wildlife Habitat Mapping Page iv


List of Figures

Figure 1. General location of Mission TFL 26. .............................................................................................. 2 Figure 2. Wildlife habitat assessment forms used in fieldwork for Mission TFL 26 wildlife habitat

assessments. ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Figure 3. Location of full inspection and ground inspection polygons in Mission TFL 26.............................. 8 Figure 4. Dense second growth forest in Mission TFL 26............................................................................. 8 Figure 5. Structural stage 2 forest in Mission TFL 26. .................................................................................. 8 Figure 6. More diverse second growth forest in Mission TFL 26................................................................... 8 Figure 7. Well developed riparian vegetation in Mission TFL 26................................................................... 8 Figure 8. Tufted clubrush-sphagnum bog in Mission TFL 26. ....................................................................... 8 Figure 9. Hardhack-sweet gale wetland in Mission TFL 26. ......................................................................... 8 Figure 10. Structural stage 7 forest in Mission TFL 26. ................................................................................ 8 Figure 11. Structural Stage 4 forest in Mission TFL 26................................................................................. 8 Figure 12. Structural stage 6 forests in Mission TFL 26................................................................................ 8 Figure 13. Structural stage 5 forest in the CWHdm in Mission TFL 26. ........................................................ 8 Figure 14. High quality tailed frog stream in Mission TFL 26. ....................................................................... 8 Figure 15. Tailed-frog habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26 .................................................... 8 Figure 16. Red-legged frog egg mass found in the study site....................................................................... 8 Figure 17. High capability and suitability wetland for red-legged frog in Mission TFL 26. ............................. 8 Figure 18. Red-legged frog habitat capability and suitability in the Mission TFL 26...................................... 8 Figure 19. Painted Turtle living habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26...................................... 8 Figure 20. Painted Turtle reproducing habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26. .......................... 8 Figure 21. Peregrine Falcon living habitat capability in Mission TFL 26. ...................................................... 8 Figure 22. Band-tailed pigeon living habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26. ............................. 8 Figure 23. Band-tailed pigeon reproducing habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26.................... 8 Figure 24. Pacific water shrew living habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26. ............................ 8 Figure 25. Trowbridge’s shrew living habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26. ............................ 8 Figure 26. Townsend’s big-eared bat living habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26. .................. 8 Figure 27. Townsend’s big-eared bat reproducing habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL ............. 8 Figure 28. Winter foraging habitat capability of black-tailed deer in Mission TFL 26. ................................... 8 Figure 29. Black-tailed deer winter shelter habitat capability for Mission TFL 26.......................................... 8

Mission TFL 26 Wildlife Habitat Mapping Page v


List of Tables

Table 1. Habitat ratings schemes for species with substantial, intermediate and limited habitat use knowledge............................................................................................................................................. 3

Table 2. Provincial and federal status and rating scheme used for wildlife species modeled in Mission TFL 26.......................................................................................................................................................... 4

Table 3. Distribution of Inspection Types...................................................................................................... 8 Table 4. Area by habitat capability and life history requisite for black tailed deer in Mission TFL 26. ........... 8 Table 5. Important Habitat feature for tailed frogs......................................................................................... 8 Table 6. TEM relationships for tailed frog life requisites. .............................................................................. 8 Table 7. Important habitat features for red-legged frogs............................................................................... 8 Table 8. TEM-relationships for tailed frog life requisites. .............................................................................. 8 Table 9. Important habitat features for painted turtles. ................................................................................. 8 Table 10. Life requisites for painted Turtle.................................................................................................... 8 Table 11. TEM attributes and life requisites for painted turtles. .................................................................... 8 Table 12. Season life requisites for Peregrine falcon.................................................................................... 8 Table 13. Summary of habitat requirements for Peregrine falcon................................................................. 8 Table 14. Important habitat features for band-tailed pigeons........................................................................ 8 Table 15. Monthly life requisites for band-tailed pigeons. ............................................................................. 8 Table 16. TEM attributes and life requisites for band-tailed pigeons. ........................................................... 8 Table 17. Important habitat features for the band-tailed pigeon.................................................................... 8 Table 18. Important life requisites for the pacific water shrew. ..................................................................... 8 Table 19. TEM-r attributes and life requisites for the pacific water shrew..................................................... 8 Table 20. Important habitat features for the band-tailed pigeon.................................................................... 8 Table 21. Important life requisites for the pacific water shrew. ..................................................................... 8 Table 22. TEM attributes and life requisites for the Trowbridge’s shrew....................................................... 8 Table 23. Season life requisites for Townsend's big-eared bat..................................................................... 8 Table 24. Habitat Use and Ecosystem Attributes for Townsend’s big-eared bat. ......................................... 8 Table 25. Summary of Habitat Requirements for Townsend’s big-eared bat in the study area. ................... 8 Table 26. Important habitat features for black-tailed deer............................................................................. 8 Table 27. Monthly life requisites for black-tailed deer. .................................................................................. 8 Table 28. TEM attributes and black-tailed deer life requisites. ..................................................................... 8

Mission TFL 26 Wildlife Habitat Mapping Page vi


Acknowledgements

This project was completed through the coordination and administration of Kim Allan (District of Mission). Funding was provided through the Forest Investment Account.

Mission TFL 26 Wildlife Habitat Mapping Page 1


1. INTRODUCTION

This report presents the results of wildlife habitat mapping of Mission TFL 26 License area and can be used to coordinate timber harvest and silvicultural activities with wildlife habitat needs. The wildlife habitat mapping is based upon Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM) completed by B.A Blackwell and Associates Ltd.

2. PROJECT TEAM

The project was conducted for Kim Allan, District of Mission, Mission, B.C. The wildlife habitat assessment fieldwork, species habitat accounts, and report were completed Ken MacKenzie (Iverson & MacKenzie Biological Consulting Ltd.). Mapping was completed using the TEM basemap provided by B.A. Blackwell and Associates Ltd.

3. STUDY AREA

Mission TFL 26 comprises approximately 10,500ha at the south end of Stave Lake, north of Mission B.C. (Figure 1). It is dominated by the Coast Mountains and to a lesser extent, the Georgia Depression physiographic regions (Holland 1964). The topography is generally rolling with local prominences, with the exception of the mountainous terrain in the northwest portion of Mission TFL 26 where elevations rise to 1,350 meters.

Throughout Mission TFL 26, the dominant surficial materials are rolling glacial morainal tills of varying depths, with physiographic prominences generally dominated by shallow veneers and exposed bedrock. Localized areas of subdued glaciofluvial deposits occur in the southern portion of the study area, where gravel extraction operations are located. Colluvial materials are relatively minor in extent and restricted to the steeper terrain. Organic deposits occur infrequently as small, localized wetlands throughout the study area.



Figure 1. General location of Mission TFL 26.

4. METHODS

Wildlife Habitat Mapping Methods

All methods used are consistent with the RISC standards for Wildlife Habitat Mapping (1999).

Wildlife-habitat models are used to assign the potential importance of the land and its features for specific wildlife species. The model is used to develop the habitat map by assigning ratings to the different habitat types found in the study area. Habitat is rated for a variety of life requisites for each wildlife species being mapped, the level of detail mapped depending upon the level of knowledge about the species habitat requirements (Table 1). All ratings are made relative to the best habitat in the province, known as the provincial benchmark. Provincial benchmarks are not available for all species, and in those cases the best habitat was a theoretical idea developed from the species account.



Ratings are developed for each specified season, activity, or life requisite for each species. Many species have different habitat needs for activities and may require a number of habitat types be present in order to occupy an area.

Both habitat suitability and capability were rated for each polygon. Suitability is the ability of the habitat in its current condition to support a species. Capability is the ability of the habitat to support a species under its best condition. Suitability is the current habitat value of the site whereas capability is the best potential habitat value.

Once habitat ratings are developed for each ecosystem unit (TEM polygon), the values for each ecosystem unit are then projected across the landscape. Habitat inventory assesses the presence of available and potential habitat not the actual presence or absence of the species. Habitat mapping can direct any further species inventory work by directing inventory efforts to areas with high habitat potential.

Table 1. Habitat ratings schemes for species with substantial, intermediate and limited habitat use knowledge.

Percent of Provincial Benchmark

6-class scheme

(Substantial knowledge of habitat requirements)

4-class scheme

(Intermediate knowledge of habitat requirements)

2-class scheme

(limited knowledge of habitat requirements)

76-100% High 1 High H

51-75% Moderately High 2

26-50% Moderate 3

Moderate M

6-25% Low 4

Habitat Useable

U

1-5% Very Low 5

Low L

0% Nil 6 Nil N

Likely No Value

X



4.1.1 Relationship Between TEM and Wildlife Habitat Mapping

In Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping, specific ecological conditions, including soils, terrain, vegetation, and structural stage, are assessed and mapped. These ecological factors influence wildlife assemblages and can be used to predict the wildlife habitat quality.

4.1.2 Uses of Wildlife Habitat Mapping

Wildlife habitat mapping can be used to guide forest or urban development, recreational activities and conservation efforts. Wildlife habitat maps can be used to focus the efforts of species inventory work, as a guide for wildlife viewing opportunities and as a tool for measuring changes in wildlife habitat supply. Wildlife habitat mapping is a predictive tool and is generally accurate but the effects of local environmental and terrain conditions can alter wildlife habitat suitability. Before implementing management actions based upon habitat mapping results, all results should be field verified.

4.1.3 Species Accounts

Nine wildlife species were selected for habitat modeling and mapping for the project. Each of the species satisfy the RISC (1999) criteria for suitable species for wildlife habitat mapping:

• adequate knowledge of species habitat requirements

• habitat requirements also meet other species habitat needs

• TEM is able to capture the important habitat attributes

• species habitat is present in the study area

• the species or evidence of the species is likely to be found in the study area

All of the selected species, apart from Columbia black-tailed deer, are considered at risk in the province.

Table 2. Provincial and federal status and rating scheme used for wildlife species modeled in Mission TFL 26.

Common Name Scientific Name Provincial Status

COSEWIC status

Rating Scheme

Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata blue 4-class



Anatum Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus anatum

red 4-class

Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta Blue - 4-class

Red-legged Frog Rana aurora Red 4-class

Tailed Frog Ascapus trueii Red 4-class

Pacific Water Shrew Sorex bendirii Red 2-class

Trowbridge’s Shrew Sorex trowbridgii Blue 4-class

Townsend’s Big-eared Bat

Corynorhinus townsendii

Blue pending 4-class

Columbia Black-tailed Deer

Odocoileus hemionus columbianus

yellow - 6-class

Species habitat requirements are given in Appendix 1 Species Accounts.

4.1.4 Sampling strategy

The goal of the field sampling phase was to check as much ground as possible within the budget and time available. The focus was on rating polygons visited by the wildlife habitat mapping crew, particularly between biogeoclimatic units, and on characterizing a range of site series for habitat suitability and capability. Sampling was aimed at a level 4 survey intensity, with between 15 and 25% of polygons inspected. The sampling program was carried out for sites that were truck accessible with one person conducting all field inspections.

The sampling program was facilitated by a set of 1:30,000 orientation maps, which were generated from the District of Mission GIS database. These displayed features of broad age class, roads, water, and topography (100 m contours) and the site series maps produced by B.A. Blackwell and Associates Ltd. Colour copies of air photographs were also use in the field sampling.

4.1.5 Field inspection types

Field inspections consisted of two types: full inspections and visual inspections. In full inspection polygons the habitat suitability and capability were examined in detail and the full wildlife habitat ratings were used to



gather key ecological properties at specific points on the ground, including information on site series composition in the polygon (smaller polygons) or area around the sample point (larger polygons). Figure 2 shows the data collected on the ground inspection form.



Figure 2. Wildlife habitat assessment forms used in fieldwork for Mission TFL 26 wildlife habitat assessments.



4.1.6 Inspection locations

Plots were located using marked air photographs and TEM maps. Wildlife habitat assessment plots were located in the same polygon as the TEM plots so that habitat interpretations were made in polygons that had been field verified rather than photo interpreted (Figure 3.). Plots were located using a Garmin 76 GPS unit for ease in mapping visited polygons.

Presentation Maps

Maps were prepared using the TEM basemap developed by B.A. Blackwell and Associates for the District of Mission. All assignments of wildlife habitat capability were based upon the sites series and site modifiers, while suitability ratings were assigned based upon the sites series, site modifiers, and structural stage.

5. RESULTS

5.1 Sampling

Table 3. Distribution of Inspection Types

Inspection Type Number Completed Proportion of total (%)

Ground inspections 28 23

Visual inspections 92 77

Total inspections 120 100

Mapped area 12,791 ha

Inspection density 107 ha per inspection

Habitat assessments were made for a total of 120 polygons or 15% of the total number of polygons mapped. The area of the sampled polygons made up 16.5% of the total study area.



Figure 3. Location of full inspection and ground inspection polygons in Mission TFL 26.



Species habitat capability and suitability.

5.1.1 General Habitat Types found in Mission TFL 26.

Much of the existing forest in Mission TFL 26 has been harvested a number of decades ago. Many of these forests are now dense second growth forests with poor habitat values for most of the species. Woody debris levels are low in these younger forests (Figure 4), or composed mainly of small, poor quality pieces (Figure 5). Other second growth stands have greater vertical canopy diversity and understory vegetation development (Figure 6).

Figure 4. Dense second growth forest in Mission TFL 26.



Figure 5. Structural stage 2 forest in Mission TFL 26.



Figure 6. More diverse second growth forest in Mission TFL 26.



Figure 7. Well developed riparian vegetation in Mission TFL 26.



Figure 8. Tufted clubrush-sphagnum bog in Mission TFL 26.



Figure 9. Hardhack-sweet gale wetland in Mission TFL 26.

Figure 10. Structural stage 7 forest in Mission TFL 26.



Figure 11. Structural Stage 4 forest in Mission TFL 26.



Figure 12. Structural stage 6 forests in Mission TFL 26.

Figure 13. Structural stage 5 forest in the CWHdm in Mission TFL 26.



5.1.2 Tailed Frog

Tailed frogs have been located in several streams in Mission TFL 26 and a number of high suitability streams were seen during field surveys (Figure 14). Although higher elevation streams in Mission TFL 26 were not mapped as tailed frog habitat, management of these streams can affect downstream habitat quality. Management that could affect the flow rates of streams upstream of the tailed frog habitats and movement of streambed material in tailed-frog streams must be limited to maintain tailed frog habitat values.

Figure 14. High quality tailed frog stream in Mission TFL 26.



Figure 15. Tailed-frog habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26



5.1.3 Red-legged Frog

Suitable red-legged frog habitat was found in all of the wetlands examined. Evidence of red-legged frog was found in one wetland (Figure 15). Both capability and suitability of these wetlands were rated the same for all wetlands examined (Figure 17).

Figure 16. Red-legged frog egg mass found in the study site.



Figure 17. High capability and suitability wetland for red-legged frog in Mission TFL 26.



Figure 18. Red-legged frog habitat capability and suitability in the Mission TFL 26.



5.1.4 Painted Turtle

Painted turtle living habitat was rated high or moderate for all of the lakes and ponds visited in the study area (Figure 18). Reproducing habitat is limiting however, as friable soils, gravel or sandy areas were not seen near open water bodies (Figure 19). All areas within 150m of water bodies were rated as low reproductive habitat capability and suitability for painted turtle. Total area rated as low reproducing habitat for painted turtle is 281ha.



Figure 19. Painted Turtle living habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26.



Figure 20. Painted Turtle reproducing habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26.



5.1.5 Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine falcons have very specific reproductive habitat requirements. No high quality nesting habitat is found in Mission TFL 26. Only moderate and low foraging habitat quality is found within Mission TFL26.

Figure 21. Peregrine Falcon living habitat capability in Mission TFL 26.



5.1.6 Band-tailed pigeon

Much of the lower elevation forested sites in Mission TFL 26 has high habitat capability for band-tailed pigeon. Higher elevation forests also have reproductive habitat potential.

Figure 22. Band-tailed pigeon living habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26.



Figure 23. Band-tailed pigeon reproducing habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26.



5.1.7 Pacific water shrew

Pacific water shrew habitat requirements are closely associated with water. Habitat potential in Mission TFL 26 is limited to habitats adjacent to water bodies. These habitats are protected under normal riparian management.

Figure 24. Pacific water shrew living habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26.



5.1.8 Trowbridge’s Shrew

Trowbridge shrew habitat requirements are poorly understood, but appear to be related to coarse woody debris abundant. Management for coarse woody debris in most low elevation forested sites in Mission TFL 26 is required to maintain Trowbridge’s shrew habitat.

Figure 25. Trowbridge’s shrew living habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26.



5.1.9 Townsend’s big-eared bat

Few potential hibernacula or roost sites are found in Mission TFL 26. This lack of hibernacula sites limits the overall quality of reproductive habitat throughout the TFL.

Figure 26. Townsend’s big-eared bat living habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL 26.



Figure 27. Townsend’s big-eared bat reproducing habitat capability and suitability in Mission TFL



5.1.10 Black-tailed deer

Foraging and shelter habitat capability for black tailed deer for winter, spring, and summer are shown in the following figures and the areas of each of the habitat types are given in Table 4.

Table 4. Area by habitat capability and life history requisite for black tailed deer in Mission TFL 26.

Season/Life History Requite

Habitat Capability

Winter Shelter

Winter Forage

Spring Shelter

Spring Forage

Summer Shelter

Summer Forage

Nil 891 845 1067 845 845 1067

Very Low 5125 740 0 740 0 4707

Low 2397 3759 0 3759 93 5205

Moderate 2926 5894 316 5894 358 1811

Moderately High

1450 1550 11407 1550 11492 0



Figure 28. Winter foraging habitat capability of black-tailed deer in Mission TFL 26.



Figure 29. Black-tailed deer winter shelter habitat capability for Mission TFL 26.



6. Conclusion

Habitat requirements for four of the nine wildlife species mapped for Mission TFL 26, tailed frog, red-legged frog, painted turtle and pacific water shrew are closely associated with water and riparian habitats. Management for these species is probably met with riparian management practices currently in place. Reproductive habitat for another two species, peregrine falcon and Townsend’s big-eared bat is limited in Mission TFL 26. Management for these species is not required, although potential reproductive habitat for Townsend’s big-eared bat, deep caves and crevices may be found. Any potential sites encountered by field staff should be noted and presence of the species should be determined by qualified individuals.

Habitat capability for Trowbridge’s shrew is found throughout much of the TFL. Increasing coarse woody debris in lower elevation forested sites will benefit this species and should be included in management planning. Band-tailed pigeon reproductive habitat should be managed for by ensuring that some late seral forests are found at low and medium elevation sites in the TFL. Foraging habitat requirements are well met by early seral stands that have abundant berry production. Silviculture treatments that increase berry abundance, while still meeting reforestation objectives should be developed and implemented to manage for foraging habitat for band-tailed pigeon.

Potential winter habitat for black-tailed deer is found throughout lower elevation sites in the TFL. Warm aspect Douglas-fir forests should be managed for late seral conditions to meet deer habitat requirements. Management for deer requires landscape level habitat planning and should be completed in conjunction with Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection staff if required.



Appendix 1 Species Accounts

Tailed Frog

Name: Ascaphus truei

Code: A-ASTR

Status: Red-listed.

Distribution

Provincial Range Tailed frogs occur along the west coast of North America from northwestern California to southern British Columbia. Tailed frogs are found in the CWH, ESSF, ICH, and MH zones at elevations from sea level to over 1000 m (Province of BC 1999; Tera Planning Ltd. 1999). In BC, they are found from Penticton north to Portland Canal (Province of BC 1999).

Elevational Range The tailed frog has been found from sea level to near timberline (0-1150 m; Province of BC 1999).

Provincial Context Tailed frog population status is unknown in the province, although it is considered vulnerable due to its highly specialized life history.

Ecology and Key Habitat Requirements

General The tailed frog is a small amphibian endemic to the Pacific Northwest. The coastal population is blue-listed in British Columbia. The tailed frog inhabits clear, cold mountain streams, which run through forested habitats. Tailed frogs have a number of unusual characteristics, including a short ’tail’ found on adult males, vertical pupils in the eyes, the lack of external eardrums, and inability to vocalize. Adult frogs range from 2.5 – 5.1 cm long (U. C. Davis 1999).

Tailed frogs are relatively long-lived (15-20 years). Adult frogs are not sexually mature until at least 7 years of age (Daugherty and Sheldon 1982). Adults mate in late summer or fall, and the females store the sperm



until the following summer. Females lay eggs in July, attaching 37-85 eggs in strings underneath stones in the bottom of the creek (Tera Planning Ltd. 1999). Eggs require 4-6 weeks before hatching (Noble and Putnam 1931; Brown 1990). The hatchlings remain under boulders until they are relatively large (Tera Planning Ltd. 1999). Development to adulthood requires 1-4 years.

Adult tailed frogs feed on arthropods, spiders, snails, ticks, mites, collembolans, dipterans, moths, ants, mayflies, crickets, and lacewings (Metter 1964). Most of these food items are obtained on land within 100 m of the creek. Adult tailed frogs leave the water only at night and only at times of high humidity (Nussbaum et al. 1986). Tadpoles eat diatoms from submerged rocks, algae, and desmids.

Tailed frogs move very little throughout the year and from season to season, usually remaining in the same 20-m stream segment over a number of years (Daugherty and Sheldon 1982). Tadpoles may be washed downstream by flooding. However, occupied streams are separated from each other by drier habitats, and there appears to be little gene flow between sub-populations (Metter 1967).

Important habitat features for tailed frogs are summarised in Table 5.

Table 5. Important Habitat feature for tailed frogs.

Season Habitat Features All Streams with few or no fish present

Well developed riparian vegetation for shading Stable substrate of rocks and boulders cold water temperatures perennial flow adjacent moist, old or mature forest

Habitat Use-Life Requisites Tailed frog habitat will be rated for Living (LI) in all seasons. Living habitat requirements are described below.

Living Habitat Stream reaches occupied by tailed frog tadpoles flow year-round and have coarse substrates. On the coast tailed frogs are found in small (<15 m wide), steep headwater streams but in the interior streams with slopes as low as 4% may be occupied. Hawkins et al. (1988) found a higher relative abundance of tadpoles in streams with substrates between 10 and 30 cm diameters than in stream reaches with smaller



bed material. Sand and pebble substrates (<5-36 mm diameter) were used less than gravel and rock substrates (55-124 mm diameter) in laboratory studies (Altig and Brodie 1972). Both eggs and tadpoles have narrow temperature requirements of between 5 and 18.5ºC (UC Davis 1999) and fish are usually absent. Creeks with the preferred characteristics, which are shaded by significant understory, may be particularly important.

Tailed frogs may be abundant in particular watersheds or creeks due to their clustered distribution pattern. They are not associated with any particular plant species (Metter 1964). Tailed frogs have been found in many different habitat types in the interior of BC, including ESSF and ponderosa pine habitats (L. Dupuis, pers. comm.).

Habitat Use and Ecosystem Attributes Table 6 outlines how tailed frog habitat requirements relate to specific ecosystem attributes.

Table 6. TEM relationships for tailed frog life requisites.

Life Requisite TEM Attribute

Living site: slope, structural stage

vegetation: canopy closure

Ratings A 4-class ratings scheme will be used.

Provincial Benchmark Ecosection: Unknown.

Biogeoclimatic Zone: Unknown

Habitats: Shaded clear-water creeks with cobble and rock substrates, little or no fish presence and low water temperatures. Feeding habitat is wet, shady forest within 100 m of a suitable creek.

Ratings Assumptions 1. Tailed frogs are assumed to be limited to creeks with little or no fish presence, which in Mission TFL 26 area are defined as streams with gradients of 16% or greater.

2. Structural stages 3 or greater are assumed to provide sufficient shade for tailed frogs.



Ratings Adjustments Terrestrial habitats not within 100 m of suitable stream habitat should be rated nil (N).

Literature Cited Altig, R., and E. D. Jr. Brodie. 1972. Laboratory behaviour of Ascaphus truei tadpoles. J. Herp.

6(1):21-24. Brown, H. A. 1990. Morphological variation and age-class determination in overwintering tadpoles

of the tailed frog Ascaphus truei. J. Zool. Lond. 220:171-184. Daugherty, C. H., and A. L. Shelton. 1982. Age-specific movement patterns of the frog Ascaphus

truei. Herpetologica 38(4) 468-474. Ecowatch. 1999. Ascaphus truei.

http://www.cciw.ca/ecowatch/dapcan/tour/glossary/ailfrog/tailfro2.htm. Hatler, D. 1995. Wildlife Resources in the Interfor Interest Area at Adams Lake, British Columbia: A

Reconnaissance Study for Forest Renewal Deliberations. Report to Interfor, Adams Lake Lumber Division.

Hawkins, C. P., L. J. Gottschalk and S. S. Brown. 1988. Densities and habitat of tailed frog tadpoles in small streams near Mt. St. Helens following the 1980 eruption. J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 7(3): 246-252.

Metter, D. E. 1967. Variation in the ribbed frog Ascaphus truei Stejneger. Copeia 3:634-649. Metter, D. E. 1964. A morphological and ecological comparison of two populations of the tailed

frog, Ascaphus truei Stejneger. Copeia 1:181-204. Noble, G. K., and P. G. Putnam. 1931. Observations on the life history of Ascaphus truei Stejneger.

Copeia 3:97-101. Nussbaum, R. A., E. D. Brodie and R. M. Storm. 1983. Reptiles and amphibians of the Pacific

Northwest. University Press of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho. Tera Planning Ltd. Tailed frog inventory and assessment- West Vancouver, BC.

http://www.teraplanning.com/proj005.html. UC Davis. Ascaphus truei- Tailed Frog. http://ice.ucdavis.edu/Toads/texthtml/truei.html.



Red-legged Frog

NAME: Rana aurora

CODE: A-RAAU

STATUS: Red-listed.

Distribution

Provincial Range Red-legged frogs are found on Vancouver Island and the adjacent mainland in British Columbia. This species occurs in the Fraser Valley as far east as Hope and into Manning Park.

Elevational Range Sea level to 920 m (Corkran and Thoms 196)

Provincial Context Concern about habitat loss has led to listing of the red-legged frog.


General Red-legged frogs inhabit shallow waterbodies with soft (not rocky) bottoms in moist forests (Corkran and Thoms 1996). Breeding begins shortly after they emerge from hibernation in mid-February or March (Green and Campbell 1984). Breeding takes place in ponds, lakes or wetlands with water depths between 0.5 and 2 m (occasionally deeper)(Corkran and Thoms 1986). Adults may occasionally be found in moist forests well away from open water, but usually remain in or near water (Green and Campbell 1984)

Important habitat features for red-legged frog are summarised in Table 7.

Table 7. Important habitat features for red-legged frogs.

Season Habitat Features

All Shallow open water ponds, wetlands and lakes

Habitat Use-Life Requisites Habitat requirements for red-legged frogs will be assessed for living.



Living Habitat Shallow open water bodies in moist forests.

Habitat Use and Ecosystem Attributes Table 8 outlines how tailed frog habitat requirements relate to specific ecosystem attributes.

Table 8. TEM-relationships for tailed frog life requisites.


Living site: SMR

vegetation: canopy closure

Ratings Given the level on knowledge of habitat requirements, a 4-class rating scheme will be used.

Provincial Benchmark Ecosection: Unknown.

Biogeoclimatic Zone: Unknown

Ratings Assumptions mesic and dry sites will be rated nil

forested sites greater than 200 m from open water will be rated nil

waterbodies with rocky substrates will be rated lower than those with mud or soft bottoms

Ratings Adjustments

Literature Cited Cannings, S.G., L.R. Ramsay, D.F. Fraser, and M.A. Fraker. 1999. Rare amphibians, reptiles and

mammals of British Columbia. Wildl. Branch and Resour. Inv. Branch, B.C. Ministr. Environ., Lands and Parks. Victoria, BC.

Corkran, C.C. And T. Thoms. 1996. Amphibians of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. Lone Pine Publishing, Edmonton, AB. 175 pp.

Green, D.M., and R. W. Campbell. 1984. The amphibians of British Columbia. Royal British Columbia Museum Handbook No. 45. 100 pp.



Smith, H.M. 1978. A guide to field identification: Amphibians of North America. Golden Press, New York. 160 pp.



Painted Turtle

Name: Chrysemys picta

Code: R-CHPI

Status: blue-listed (Identified Wildlife species).

Distribution

Provincial Range The Painted Turtle is distributed across the southern third of British Columbia, but is locally abundant in main valleys, including the Rocky Mountain Trench north to Golden, the Creston and Nelson areas, the Okanagan Valley, and the Kamloops-Shushwap Lake area. In addition, there is a disjunct population near Williams Lake, believed to be introduced (Blood and Macartney 1998). Although abundant in many areas in the United States, the population in British Columbia is small because it is restricted by climatic and geographical boundaries. They can be found in wetlands in valleys or lowlands in the southern part of the province in the BG, CWH, ICH, IDF, and PP biogeoclimatic zones (need to write out these zone names in full).

Population estimates for Painted Turtles have not been attempted in BC. However, densities of 500 or more per hectare have been documented (Gregory and Campbell 1984) and detailed surveys in Kikomun Creek Provincial Park have provided estimates of 800 to 900 turtles per hectare (Blood and Macartney 1998). The best painted turtle habitat in the province is most likely Kikomun Creek Provincial Park beside Lake Koocanusa in the East Kootenai Region

Elevational Range

The upper elevational limit of Painted Turtle distribution is not well known but they generally occur at lower elevations, probably below 1300m.


General The painted turtle is the only native turtle found in British Columbia. They occupy ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams with muddy bottoms and emergent aquatic vegetation (Gregory and Campbell 1984). Virtually all activities of the Painted Turtle apart from egg laying are carried out in the water or on objects in



the water (Gregory and Campbell 1984; Macartney and Gregory 1985). Terrestrial habitats are used when moving between aquatic habitats and for brief excursions during nesting season (Macartney and Gregory 1985). Painted Turtles are generally active during daylight, although nest-digging and egg-laying usually occurs in early morning and late evening (Gregory and Campbell 1984). The length of the active season and hibernating period is governed by water temperature, as is onset of breeding activity (Gregory and

Campbell 1984). Activity begins in the spring when water temperature reaches 10°C, but feeding does not

begin until it is about 14°C (Blood and Macartney 1998). Painted Turtles hibernate in mud underwater

during winter.

Adult Painted Turtles feed on a wide array of foods including insects, crayfish, minnows, tadpoles, aquatic plants or dead animal matter (Brown et al. 1995, Nussbaum et al. 1983, Gregory and Campbell 1984, Blood and Macartney 1998, Orchard 1988). Juvenile turtles are almost completely carnivorous, feeding mainly on small invertebrates, later switching to frogs and fish, but becoming more herbivorous with age (Gregory and Campbell 1984, Nussbaum et al. 1983). Foraging occurs almost entirely in water because Painted Turtles cannot swallow unless the food is suspended in the water (Blood and Macartney 1998).

Painted Turtles bask in the sun to regulate body temperature and basking also promotes shedding and prevents algae accumulating on the shell (Gregory and Campbell 1984, Blood and Macartney 1998). Turtles are most often seen when basking on suitable such as logs, mud banks, or other objects above water (Gregory and Campbell 1984).

In British Columbia, female Painted Turtles normally reproduce at 5-6 years of age while males first reproduce at 3-4 years (Brown et al. 1995, Blood and Macartney 1998). Courtship and mating usually take place in the spring and mating occurs in shallow water (Gregory and Campbell 1984). Egg-laying occurs between May and July, usually towards the end of that period in northern parts of their range (Nussbaum et

al. 1983). A single clutch of 6-18 eggs is laid per year (Gregory and Campbell 1984, Macartney and Gregory 1985).

Nesting usually occurs within 150m of water in loose gravel or sand in a site that is well drained and free from excess vegetation (Nussbaum et al. 1983, Gregory and Campbell 1984). Eggs incubate for 70-80 days and in British Columbia most eggs or hatchlings overwinter in the nest (Macartney and Gregory 1985).



Table 9. Important habitat features for painted turtles.

Season Specific Attributes Required

All Open water

loose, well drained gravel, sand or soil within 150 m of open water

Habitat Use – Life Requisites Table 10. Life requisites for painted Turtle.

Life Requisite Ecosystem Attributes

Reproducing flat or gentle slopes with loose, gravely soils; lightly vegetated to increase insulation and decrease rootedness

Living calm or slow moving waters greater than 1 meter deep, excluding open areas of large lakes

Living Habitat

Ponds, lakes, marshes, and warm, quiet backwaters of rivers, slow rivers or streams with muddy bottoms are required for all life requisites of Painted Turtles (Brown et al. 1995, Nussbaum et al. 1983, Gregory and Campbell 1984). Margins and other shallow portions of lakes or ponds provide the necessary habitat for feeding, basking, security from predators, and hibernation (Macartney and Gregory 1985). Painted Turtles prefer floating logs, branches, or other emergent objects that lie offshore or over deep water for basking (Macartney and Gregory 1985, Brown et al. 1995, Nussbaum et al. 1983). When suitable basking sites are

absent or limited in number, turtles will burrow into warm mud (up to 31° C) in shallows along lake margins

(Macartney and Gregory 1985).

Painted turtles forage on the bottom of lakes and ponds, generally at depths of less than three metres (Orchard 1988).

Reproductive Habitat



Terrestrial sites suitable for egg deposition must have appropriate exposure, slope, and drainage (Macartney and Gregory 1985). Painted Turtles are very particular about where they bury their eggs and usually select warm, non-vegetated, south-facing sites with soils that are dry, light in texture and free of roots or large stones (Blood and Macartney 1998). Nests have been found in open beaches, floodplains, shrubby fields, roadsides, gravel or soil roads, pastures, and in any sites where digging is easy (Nussbaum et al. 1983, Gregory and Campbell 1984). Sites generally lie on flat to moderately sloped ground on a southern or southwestern aspect (Gregory and Campbell 1984, Macartney and Gregory 1985) in areas that are relatively free of surface vegetation and underlying root masses (Macartney and Gregory 1985). The soils of nest sites have good drainage, loose surface layers, fairly compact subsurface layers, and are composed of a mixture of small- to medium-sized gravels, fine silts, and sands with low organic content (Gregory and Campbell 1984, Macartney and Gregory 1985). Nests can also be found in sandy soils or grassy areas near water (Brown et al. 1995). Turtles will abandon nest sites when they encounter roots or stones that they are unable to remove from the hole (Macartney and Gregory 1985).

Egg-laying sites are mostly within 35m of a lakeshore, but females have been known to travel up to 150m or more to locate suitable sites (Macartney and Gregory 1985, Gregory and Campbell 1984).

Habitat Use and Ecosystem Attributes Table 11 summarizes the relationships between painted turtle life requisites and TEM attributes.

Table 11. TEM attributes and life requisites for painted turtles.


Living vegetation: species list by layer

Reproducing site: elevation, SMR

vegetation: species list by layer

Ratings The level of knowledge of Painted Turtle habitat requirements is adequate for a 4-class rating scheme. There is insufficient knowledge of habitat requirements to use a 6-Class scheme but sufficient knowledge to go beyond a 2-class rating scheme. This complies with the recommended rating scheme in the RIC standards manual (1999).

Provincial Benchmark: Kikomun Creek Park



Ecosection: East Kootenay Trench (EKT)

Biogeoclimatic zone: IDFdm2

Broad Ecosystem Unit:

Habitats:

Ratings Assumptions 1. Ecosystem units where digging is fairly easy including beaches, floodplains, shrubby fields,

roadsides, gravel or soil roads and pastures rated up to H

2. Warm aspects rated higher than cool aspects

3. Flat to moderately sloped ground rated higher than steeper ground

4. Well drained soils rated higher than poorly drains soils.

5. Soils less than 10 cm deep provide no breeding habitat potential.

6. Soil textures with high coarse fragment content (cobbles and larger) provide no breeding habitat potential.

7. Breeding habitat quality decreases with increasing vegetation cover and root mass.

8. Ecosystems with aspen or cottonwood have no breeding habitat potential because of moist soils and root density

6.1.1.1 Ratings Adjustments

Terrestrial habitats not within 100 m of suitable stream or pond habitat should rated nil (N).

Literature Cited Blood, D.A. and M. Macartney. 1998. Painted Turtle; Wildlife at Risk in British Columbia. Brochure.

BC Environment. Victoria, B.C. Brown, H.A., R.B. Bury, D.M. Darda, L.V. Diller, C.R. Peterson, and R.M. Storm. 1995. Reptiles of

Washington and Oregon. Seattle Audubon Society, Seattle WA. 176 pages. Gregory, P.T. and R.W. Campbell. 1984. The Reptiles of British Columbia. Royal British Columbia

Museum. Handbook No. 44. Macartney, M., and P. T. Gregory. 1985. The western painted turtle in Kikomun Creek Provincial

Park. Unpublished report, submitted to Parks Branch, British Columbia.



Nussbaum, R.A., E.D. Brodie, Jr. and R.M. Storm. 1983. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Pacific Northwest. University of Idaho Press, Moscow, Idaho.

Orchard, S.A. 1988. Species notes on Reptiles, Vol. 3 of Wildlife Habitat Handbook for the Southern Interior Ecoprovince. BC Government, Victoria, BC

Resources Inventory Committee (RIC). 1999. British Columbia wildlife habitat rating standards, Version 2.0. Min. of Environ, Lands and Parks, Resource Inventory Branch. Victoria, BC.

St. Clair, R. C. 1989. The natural history of a northern turtle, Chrysemys picta bellii (Gray). Masters thesis, University of Victoria, Victoria, B. C.



Peregrine Falcon

Scientific Name: Falco peregrinus

Species Code B-PEFA

Status Red-listed.

Distribution

Provincial Range Peregrine falcons are widespread but uncommon throughout the province. Records have been collected throughout the province but most are from coastal areas and the Okanagan Valley (Campbell et al. 1990). Anatum peregrine falcons, the sub-species found in the study area, are known to breed in the Lower Fraser Valley, southern Vancouver Island, Okanogan and Cariboo regions and formerly bred in the Peace River area. Most currently occupied nest locations are in the Fraser Valley.

Provincial Context Only 20 active nests are known for the Province with most of those in the lower Fraser Valley.


General Peregrine falcons feed mainly on songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds and doves and hunt in a variety of open habitats including grasslands, beaches and tidal flats, airports, golf courses and parks.

Habitat Use and Life Requisites

Living Open habitats with abundant prey bird populations. Peregrine falcons can range widely from nest sites to foraging areas.

Reproducing Peregrine falcons usually nest on ledges on large, inaccessible cliffs often overlooking water bodies. Ledges used by peregrines falcons for nesting range from 6 to 260 m in height.



Seasons of Use Habitats will be rated for all year habitat quality. Foraging habitat differs little throughout the year.

Table 12. Season life requisites for Peregrine falcon.


All Cliffs for reproducing,

Open areas for hunting

Habitat Use and Ecosystem Attributes

Ratings As moderate life history information is known about the peregrine falcon, a 4-class rating scheme will be used.

Provincial Benchmark unknown

Ratings Assumptions

Table 13. Summary of habitat requirements for Peregrine falcon.

Life Requisites Specific Attributes Required

Reproducing Inaccessible ledges on cliffs

Living Open habitats for foraging

Ratings adjustments

Literature Cited Fraser, D.F., W. L. Harper, S. G. Cannings, and J. M. Cooper. 1999. Rare birds of British Columbia.

Ministr. Environ., Land and Parks and Resour. Inv. Branch, Victoria, BC 244 pp. Campbell, R.W., N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J. M. Cooper, G.W. Kaiser and M.C.E. McNall. 1990.

Birds of British Columbia vol. 2: Non-passerines, Diurnal birds of prey through Woodpeckers. UBC Press, Vancouver, BC.



Band-tailed Pigeon

Name: Columba fasciata

Code: B-BTPI

Status: blue-listed

Distribution

Provincial Range The band-tailed pigeon is found along coastal BC from southern Vancouver Island north along the west coast of North America as far as southern Alaska. The range of the species extends into the interior as far as Boston Bar. Band-tailed pigeons are known to breed in British Columbia on southern Vancouver Island and the lower mainland of BC. The range of the species appears to be expanding east and north in the province.

Elevational Range

The band-tailed pigeons have been observed from sea-level to over 1800 m. Band-tailed pigeon nests have been found from sea-level to 750 m.

Provincial Context The main distribution of the band-tailed pigeon lies south of BC in coastal California and Oregon, but the species is found along the Pacific Coast as far north as Alaska. Band-tailed pigeons are a coastal species primarily found in coastal areas and considered a rare visitor to the interior of the province.


General The band-tailed pigeon is largest of two native pigeon species found in BC. Males are generally larger than females and may reach 350 grams and 36 cm in length. It is a gregarious species and is often found in large flocks, making it susceptible to over-hunting. It has recovered from near extinction in North America and is now increasing over most of its range. Band-tailed pigeon populations are declining in some locations due to over-hunting and habitat loss (Gibbs et al. 2001).



The band-tailed pigeon is a migrant species and most with individuals wintering in Coastal California and Oregon. Small numbers of band-tailed pigeon winter in extreme southwestern BC, where they rely on Garry oak and madrone for winter food. Returning migrants frequent a variety of habitats particularly farmland or rail-yards where spilled or leftover grain is used as food. Open sites bordered by conifers are preferred at this time of year where forest cover is used for perching and possibly escape cover. As breeding season approaches, the use of mineral springs, intertidal flats and gravelling sites increases, presumably the calcium obtained at these sites is important for egg production. Usually these sites are in the immediate vicinity of intertidal coniferous growth. Once early fruits become available, birds move to breeding areas.

Breeding habitat includes both natural and man-made habitats including edges and openings of conifer, mixed or deciduous forest. Most nests are found on low branches of coniferous or deciduous trees and range in height from 3 to 15 m. One or two eggs are laid from late April to the end of May and incubation takes between 16 and 22 days (Campbell et al. 1990).

Table 14. Important habitat features for band-tailed pigeons.


Winter Garry oak or madrone

Growing Calcium-rich springs or gravel

Berry producing shrubs

Mature or old deciduous or coniferous forest edge

Habitat Use – Life Requisites

Food Habitat Main foods during the growing season include acorns and berries. Garry oak acorns and madrone berries are important food in the fall and winter.

Living Habitat Band-tailed pigeons use a variety of habitats when not nesting from agricultural, intertidal, mountainous, shrub-lands and coniferous or mixed forests.



Reproductive Habitat Birds are found in a wide range of habitats during the nesting season but usually forest edge. Most nest records from British Columbia found nests between 3 and 6 m above the ground in coniferous trees. Other nests were found in deciduous trees. Calcium requirements for egg production appear to be met through ingestion of calcium-rich gravel at mineral springs.

Seasons of Use Table 15. Monthly life requisites for band-tailed pigeons.

Life Requisites Season

Food/ security All

Food/ security/ reproducing Spring

Habitat Use and Ecosystem Attributes Table 16 summarizes the relationships between band-tailed pigeon life requisites and TEM attributes.

Table 16. TEM attributes and life requisites for band-tailed pigeons.


Food vegetation: species list by layer

Nesting site: elevation

vegetation: species list by layer

structural stage

Security Vegetation: structural stage

Ratings There is insufficient knowledge of the habitat requirements for band-tailed pigeons so a 4-class rating system will be used.

Provincial Benchmark: unknown

Ratings Assumptions

structural stages 1-3 do not provide adequate structure for nesting habitat

continuous forest cover does not provide good nesting habitat



Field Ratings

Literature Cited Campbell, R.W., N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J. M. Cooper, G. W Kaiser and M. C. E. McNall.

1990. The Birds of British Columbia Vol. 2. Ehrlich, P.R., D.S. Dobkin, D. Wheye. 1988. The birders handbook. Simon and Schuster, New

York.785 pp. Gibbs, D., E. Barnes, J. Cox. 2001. Pigeons and Doves: A guide to pigeons and doves of the world.

Yale Univ. Press. 615 pp. March, G.L., R.M.F.S. Sadleir. 1972. Studies on the band-tailed pigeon (Columba fasciata) in British

Columbia. II. Food resource and mineral-gravelling activity. Syesis 5:279-284.



Pacific Water Shrew

Name: Sorex bendirii

Code: M-SOBI

Status: Red-listed.

Distribution

Provincial Range Pacific water shrews are only known to occur in Coastal Douglas-fir (CDF) and coastal western hemlock (CWH) biogeoclimatic zones in the Georgia Depression and Coast and Mountains ecoprovinces in British Columbia (Cannings et al. 1999).

Elevational Range Pacific water shrews have been found from sea-level to 850 m in British Columbia.

Provincial Context Pacific water shrews are not threatened throughout most of their range, but the species is very rare in British Columbia with only eight known occurrences having been documented (Cannings et al. 1999). Pacific water shrews are found along the west coast of North America from northern California to the extreme southwest corner of British Columbia (Banfield 1974)


General The Pacific water shrew is the largest shrew species found in British Columbia and is associated with low-elevation riparian habitats (Nagorsen 1996). These sites are typically forested with dense forest canopies and abundant shrub layers and coarse woody debris. Pacific water shrews are semi-aquatic feeding mainly on aquatic or riparian insects or other invertebrates. Breeding season is not known for British Columbia, but elsewhere breeding occurs between January and late August with a peak in March. The average lifespan of the pacific water shrew is 18 months.

Table 17. Important habitat features for the band-tailed pigeon.




All Year Coarse woody debris and shrub cover adjacent to streams, wetlands, ponds or lakes.

Habitat Use – Life Requisites Moist riparian forest and shallow water with emergent vegetation.

Table 18. Important life requisites for the pacific water shrew.

Season Life Requisites

All Ponds, small lakes, shallow open water wetlands with forested riparian areas.


Table 19. TEM-r attributes and life requisites for the pacific water shrew.


Site: SMR, structural stage

Vegetation: species list by layer, canopy closure

Ratings There is insufficient knowledge of the habitat requirements for pacific water shrew so a 2-class rating system will be used.


Ratings Assumptions

habitats more than 200 m from open water are rated nil.

increasing coarse woody debris increases ratings

increasing understory vascular vegetation cover increases ratings

6.1.1.1.1 Field Ratings



Literature Cited Banfield, A.W.F. 1974. The mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press. Toronto, Ontario.

438 pp. Cannings, S.G., L.R. Ramsay, D.F. Fraser, and M.A. Fraker. 1999. Rare amphibians, reptiles and


Nagorsen, D.W. 1996. Opossums, shrews and moles of British Columbia. UBC Press, Vancouver, BC. 169 pp.



Trowbridge’s Shrew

Name: Sorex trowbridgii

Code: M-SOTR

Status: Blue-listed.

Distribution

Provincial Range Trowbridge’s shrews are only known to occur in the lower Fraser Valley in British Columbia as far east as Chilliwack Lake and Hope (Nagorsen 1996). Trowbridge’s shrews have been found from sea-level to 640 m but most records are from lower elevations (Nagorsen 1996).

Provincial Context Trowbridge’s shrews are distributed from northern California to extreme southwestern British Columbia. The species is not threatened across most of its range, and, while it is probably more abundant in British Columbia than had been previously thought (Nagorsen 1996), it is still vulnerable to habitat loss as the range of the species coincides with the most heavily developed area in the province (Cannings et al. 1999, Banfield 1974)


General This species is most abundant in dry and mesic forests with rich, loose soils, and abundant decaying wood and forest floor litter. Stands of all ages are used provided that canopy closure is high.

Table 20. Important habitat features for the band-tailed pigeon.


All Year Forests with high canopy closure

Dry to mesic forest

Abundant decaying wood and litter

Rich forest soils.



Habitat Use – Life Requisites

Table 21. Important life requisites for the pacific water shrew.


All Dry forested sites with high canopy closure, loose soil and abundant forest floor litter.


Table 22. TEM attributes and life requisites for the Trowbridge’s shrew.


Living Site: SMR, structural stage

Vegetation: species list by layer, canopy closure

Ratings A 4-class rating scheme will be used for the Trowbridge’s shrew.


Ratings Assumptions

habitats with high water tables rated nil.

increasing coarse woody debris increases ratings

increasing forest floor litter depth increases ratings






Nagorsen, D.W. 1996. Opossums, shrews and moles of British Columbia. UBC Press, Vancouver, BC. 169 pp.



Townsend’s Big-eared Bat

Scientific Name: Corynorhinus townsendii

Species Code M-COTO

Status Blue-listed.

Distribution

Provincial Range Townsend’s big-eared bats are found in major river valleys in the southern parts of British Columbia. Records have been gathered from the Fraser River drainage as far north as Williams Lake, the Thompson River valley to Kamloops and the Similkameen River valley.

Provincial Context Townsend’s big-eared Bats are found from Mexico, through the western United States and into British Columbia. The species is fairly abundant in some parts of its range, but two eastern subspecies are considered Endangered in the United States (Cannings et al. 1999). British Columbia is the only Canadian province where Townsend’s big-eared bats are found and are considered vulnerable because of their sensitivity to disturbance at roost and hibernacula sites.


General Townsend’s big-eared bats occupy a wide range of habitats in British Columbia, from coastal forests to dry interior grasslands (Nagorsen and Brigham 1993). Caves and abandoned mine shafts are used for day roosts, maternal colonies and winter hibernacula and the distribution of this species appears to be closely related to the availability of these features. Old buildings may also be used for day roosts and maternal colonies. The species is sensitive to disturbance and may permanently abandon roost sites if disturbed. The species seems to migrate only short distance between summer ranges and winter roost sites.



Habitat Use and Life Requisites

Living A wide range of habitats are occupied by Townsend’s big-eared bats from coastal forests to dry grasslands. The main factor limiting the distribution of Townsend’s big-eared bats throughout their range appears to be the availability of roost and hibernacula sites.

6.1.1.2 Feeding Habitat

Food habits of Townsend’s big-eared bats are not known for British Columbia, but in the western United States, small moths a form the majority of the diet (Nagorsen and Brigham, 1993). Foraging habitats have not been reported.

Seasons of Use Townsend’s big-eared bats are year-round residents of the project area. Seasonal life requisites are summarized in Table .23

Table 23. Season life requisites for Townsend's big-eared bat.


Growing Caves, mine adits and old buildings

Winter Caves, mine adits

Table 24. Habitat Use and Ecosystem Attributes for Townsend’s big-eared bat.


Living (roosting, foraging) Cliff site units

Ratings As moderate information is known on the habitat requirements of Townsend’s big-eared bats, a 4-class rating system will be used.

Provincial Benchmark unknown



Ratings Assumptions any caves with attributes that make them suitable as potential roost or hibernacula sites are rated high

Table 25. Summary of Habitat Requirements for Townsend’s big-eared bat in the study area.


Specific Attributes Required

Growing Caves, mine adits and old buildings

Winter Caves, mine adits

Ratings adjustments




Nagorsen, D. W. and R. M. Brigham. 1993. Bats of British Columbia. Royal British Columbia Museum, Vancouver, BC 164 pp.



Columbia Black-tailed Deer

Name: Odocoileus hemionus columbianus

Species Code: M-ODHC

Status: yellow-list

Distribution

Provincial Range Columbian Black-tailed deer are found on Vancouver Island and the adjacent mainland coast in BC (Cowan and Guiguet 1978). Black-tailed deer may be found in any biogeoclimatic zone on the coast (Stevens 1995).

Elevational Range Sea-level to alpine habitat, although higher elevations are rarely used in winter when snowpacks are deep.

Provincial Context The Columbia black-tailed deer, one of three subspecies found in the province, is locally very abundant.


General Black-tailed deer are less migratory than mule deer in the interior of the province but some migration from spring and summer ranges in higher elevation areas to winter ranges at low elevations may occur. Deer normally show a high degree of fidelity to specific winter ranges as well as to individual home ranges (Ihsle Pac et al. 1988). Densities of Columbia black-tailed deer within the study area are unknown. Deer are widely dispersed in summer and probably occur in very low numbers in the study area. Because of their secretive behaviour, use by females with young is most difficult to document.

Key habitat for Columbia black-tailed deer is thought to be winter range. Availability of good winter habitat is probably the main factors controlling the numbers and distribution of mule deer in the study area. Deer prefer areas where snow depths are less than 30 cm, and are excluded from areas where snow depths exceed 50 cm (Simpson and Gyug 1991; Telfer and Kelsall 1979). Suitable winter habitat in the study area is limited to lower elevation, moderate to steep south aspects.



The best winter range consists of an interspersion of shrubby foraging areas, thermal cover and security cover. Shrubs, foliage of coniferous trees (Douglas-fir) and arboreal lichens are important foods during the winter. During critical winter periods in the study area, mule deer tend to congregate along low-elevation river valleys. Winter range exhibits the following characteristics (Armleder et al. 1986):

SE to W aspect (exceptions may occur in large river valleys)

moderate to steep slopes (45-80%)

Douglas-fir as the predominant tree species (mature and over-mature trees present).

Vertical diversity and habitat edges are also important, as deer can balance food and cover requirements in a smaller geographic area.

Table 26 summarizes important habitat features for mule deer.

Table 26. Important habitat features for black-tailed deer.

Season Attributes Growing

dense shrubs and herbaceous vegetation mosaic of small shrubby openings interspersed with tree cover early green-up areas, wetlands, cultivated fields

Winter low elevation (<1000m) Douglas-fir dominated forest south aspects (135-285o) mod to steep slopes (35-80%) high density of preferred shrubs (e.g., saskatoon) trees >100 yrs. for arboreal lichens well interspersed thermal and security cover Cover within 200 m of foraging habitat

large, well-developed tree crowns large diameter Douglas fir (>40 cm) multiple canopy layers.



Habitat Use- Life Requisites The critical life requisites that will be rated for mule deer are: food (FD), security-thermal (ST) and security (SH) habitats, which are described below. Habitats were rated for Growing season Food, for Growing Season Security, for Winter Food, and for Winter Security/Thermal (W ST).

Food Habitat Preferred foods include saskatoon, dogwood, forbs, snowberry, gooseberry, aspen, willow, Oregon-grape, ponderosa pine, grasses, clover, asters, lupine, sagebrush, dandelions, and domestic crop and ornamental species. Mule deer browse primarily on shrubs and conifers during the winter. During the growing season mule deer will forage in a variety of habitats ranging from grassy openings to old-growth forest. Lush, moist sites are preferred. Spring habitat consists generally of non-forested south aspects, cultivated fields and wetlands, which green up early. During the spring, summer and fall months, herbaceous plants and grasses are preferred to shrubs. Spring habitats must support short-term intensive use by many animals. Forest cover adjacent to spring ranges may be important to enable extensive seasonal use.

Mule deer winter habitat is most often associated with valleys on south-facing, gentle-moderate sloping areas with mature or old growth Douglas-fir forests. Snow depths within these stands are reduced, and food is readily available in the form of Douglas-fir foliage and lichens, which fall from large trees. In some cases, Douglas-fir may make up 90% of winter diets. Douglas-fir foliage from older trees is the most common food item in the winter diet of mule deer, and foliage from the crowns of older trees is more nutritious than that from young trees. Other important winter foods, when available, include saskatoon, snowbush, Douglas maple, willow, and red-osier dogwood. Shrubby, open areas are used if snow depths are <50 cm. On windy days, deer may use topographic features to minimize effects of wind-chill while feeding.

Security Habitat Mule deer use hiding cover in the form of vegetation capable of hiding 90% of a standing adult deer at 66 m or less. Sufficient hiding cover is provided by understory and dense low branches 1-2 m in height. Riparian areas with dense shrubby cover are used for fawning in the spring. Some authorities state that cover/forage area ratios of 60% cover/40% forage are optimal (Kerr 1979).



Thermal Habitat Optimal winter thermal cover consists of coniferous-dominated, multi-layered stands of 4 ha or larger which are 10-12 m tall, with 70% or greater canopy closure, and having interlocking crowns for maximum snow interception (Armleder et al. 1986). Old-growth (structural stage 7) Douglas-fir stands on warm aspects are preferred (Armleder et al. 1994), but closed-canopy forests on north aspects (where trees are generally more dense) may provide important shelter during severe winter storms. Thermal habitat is also required in the summer to prevent overheating, but summer security cover requirements are assumed to provide adequate thermal cover.

Seasons of Use Mule deer require thermal, security and feeding habitat throughout the year. Table 27 summarizes life requisites by month for mule deer in each of the two ecoprovinces present in the study area.

Table 27. Monthly life requisites for black-tailed deer.

Life Requisites Month Season (Georgia Depr. Ecoprovince)

Season (Coast and Mountains Ecoprovince)

Food, Security, Thermal January Winter Winter Food, Security, Thermal February Winter Winter Food, Security, Thermal March Winter Winter Food, Security, Thermal April Spring Winter Food, Security May Spring Spring Food, Security June Summer Spring Food, Security July Summer Summer Food, Security August Summer Summer Food, Security September Fall Fall Food, Security October Fall Fall Food, Security, Thermal November Winter Winter Food, Security, Thermal December Winter Winter

Habitat Use and Ecosystem Attributes Table 28 outlines how each life requisite relates to specific ecosystem attributes.



Table 28. TEM attributes and black-tailed deer life requisites.

Life Requisite TEM Attribute Food site: site disturbance, elevation, aspect, slope, structural stage, moisture

regime vegetation: species list by layer, percent cover by layer, percent cover by species

Security Cover site: site disturbance, elevation, aspect, slope, structural stage, moisture regime, canopy closure vegetation: percent cover by layer, percent cover by species

Thermal Cover site: site disturbance, elevation, aspect, slope, structural stage vegetation: species list by layer, percent cover by layer, percent cover by species

Ratings There is a detailed level of knowledge regarding the habitat requirements of mule deer in British Columbia, so a 6-class ratings scheme will be used.

Provincial Benchmark

Ecosection: EKT (East Kootenay Trench)

Winter Growing

Biogeoclimatic zone: IDFdm ESSFdk

Broad Ecosystem Unit: Interior Douglas-fir forest Subalpine meadow

Habitats: Winter: steep, south aspect mature and old Douglas-fir forest.

Growing: riparian shrubs, alpine meadows, interspersed with forest structural stage 5 or greater.

Ratings Assumptions Security habitat used during the growing season is assumed to also provide adequate thermal habitat during the growing season.

Structural stages 2-4 have minimal winter value for food or shelter.

The ESSF subzones are essentially unused by deer during the winter months due to heavy snowpacks.

Structural stages 1 to 3 may provide high-quality deer food habitat during the growing season.



Riparian and moister ecosystem units generally provide higher-quality growing season food habitats than drier units.

Ratings Adjustments Polygons >1500 m in elevation should be rated nil for all winter uses.

Literature Cited Armleder, H. M., M. Waterhouse, D. Keisker, and R. Dawson. 1994. Winter habitat use by mule deer

in the central interior of British Columbia. Can. J. Zool. 72:1721-1725. Dawson, R.J., H.M. Armleder and M.J. Waterhouse. 1990. Preferences of mule deer for Douglas-fir

foliage from different sized trees. Journal of Wildlife Management. Ihsle Pac, H., W. Kasworm, L. Irby and R. Mackie. 1988. Ecology of the mule deer, Odocoileus

hemionus, along the east front of the Rocky Mountains, Montana. Can. Fld.-Nat. 10(2):227-236.

Kerr, R.M. 1979. Mule deer habitat guidelines. USDI. BLM. Tech. Note. TN336. 61pp. Waterhouse, J. M., H. M. Armleder, and R. J. Dawson. 1991. Forage litterfall in Douglas-fir forests

in the central interior of British Columbia. BC Min. Forest, Victoria, BC. Res. Note No. 108.



Appendix 2. Final Ratings Table

Subz

one

Ecos

yste

m U

nit

Nam

e

Stru

ctur

al St

age

B PE

FA_A

B

PEFA

_REG

BB

TPI_A

Li

BBTP

I_REG

M

SOBI

_A

M SO

TR_A

M

COTO

_G

M CO

TO_H

IW

M OD

HC_F

DW

M OD

HC_S

TW

M OD

HC_F

DSp

M OD

HC_S

TSp

M OD

HC_F

DS

M OD

HC_S

TS

1 N N M L X U L L 2 2 4 2 4 2 2 N N H L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 3 4 2 4 2 4 5 N N L M X U L M 3 4 2 4 2 4 6 N N L M X U L H 4 5 3 5 3 5

Hw – Flat moss

7 N N L H X U L M 4 5 3 5 3 5 1 N N M L X U L L 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 N N H L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 3 4 2 4 2 4 5 N N L M X U L M 4 4 2 4 2 4 6 N N L M X U L H 4 6 2 5 2 5

FdPl – Cladina


FdHw – Salal

7 N N L H X U L M 5 5 2 5 2 5 1 N N M L X U L L 2 2 4 2 4 2 2 N N H L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 3 4 2 4 2 4

CWHdm

Fd – Sword fern

5 N N L M X U L M 4 4 2 4 2 4



6 N N L M X U L H 5 6 2 5 2 5 7 N N L H X U L M 5 6 2 5 2 5

Su

bzon

e

Ecos

yste

m U

nit

Nam

e

Stru

ctur

al St

age

B PE

FA_A

B

PEFA

_REG

BB

TPI_A

Li

BBTP

I_REG

M

SOBI

_A

M SO

TR_A

M

COTO

_G

M CO

TO_H

IW

M OD

HC_F

DW

M OD

HC_S

TW

M OD

HC_F

DSp

M OD

HC_S

TSp

M OD

HC_F

DS

M OD

HC_S

TS


Cw – Swordfern

7 N N L H X U L H 3 5 2 5 2 5 1 L N M L X U L L 2 2 4 2 4 2 2 L N H L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 2 4 2 4 2 4 5 N N L M X U L M 2 4 2 4 2 4 6 N N L M X U L H 2 5 2 5 2 5

HwCw – Deer fern

7 N N L H X U L H 2 5 4 5 4 5 1 N N M L X U L L 2 2 4 2 4 2 2 N N H L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 2 3 2 3 2 3 5 N N L M X U L M 2 4 2 4 2 4 6 N N L M X U L H 2 5 3 5 3 5

Cw – Foamflower

7 N N L H X U L M 2 5 3 5 3 5 1 N N M L U U L L 2 2 5 2 5 2 2 N N H L U U L L 2 2 4 2 4 2

CWHdm

Act – Willow

3 N N M L U U L L 2 2 4 2 4 2



4 N N L L U U L L 2 2 4 4 4 4 5 N N L M U U L M 3 2 4 4 4 4 6 N N L M U U L H 3 2 4 5 4 5

7 N N L H U U L M 3 2 4 5 4 5

Subz

one

Ecos

yste

m U

nit

Nam

e

Stru

ctur

al St

age

B PE

FA_A

B

PEFA

_REG

BB

TPI_A

Li

BBTP

I_REG

M

SOBI

_A

M SO

TR_A

M

COTO

_G

M CO

TO_H

IW

M OD

HC_F

DW

M OD

HC_S

TW

M OD

HC_F

DSp

M OD

HC_S

TSp

M OD

HC_F

DS

M OD

HC_S

TS

1 N N M L U U L L 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 N N H L U U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L U U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L U U L L 2 3 2 4 2 4 5 N N L M U U L M 2 4 2 4 2 4 6 N N L M U U L H 3 4 2 5 2 5

Pl – Sphagnum

7 N N L H U U L M 3 4 2 5 2 5 1 N N M L U U L L 2 2 5 2 5 2 2 N N H L U U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L U U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L U U L L 2 3 2 4 2 4 5 N N L M U U L M 2 4 2 4 2 4 6 N N L M U U L H 2 4 2 5 2 5

CwSs – Skunk cabbage

7 N N L H U U L M 2 4 3 5 3 5 1 N L M L X U M L 3 2 3 2 3 2 2 N L H L X U M L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N L M L X U M L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N L L L X U M L 2 3 2 4 2 4 5 N L L M X U M M 3 4 2 4 2 4 6 N L L M X U M H 3 5 2 5 2 5

CWHDM

Cw – Fern bluffs

7 N L L H X U M M 3 6 2 5 2 5 CWHvm1 HwBa - Blueberry 1 N N M L X U L L 2 2 3 2 3 2



2 N N H L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 2 3 2 4 2 4 5 N N L M X U L M 2 3 2 4 2 4 6 N N L M X U L H 2 4 2 5 2 5

7 N N L H X U L H 2 4 2 5 2 5



Subz

one

Ecos

yste

m U

nit

Nam

e

Stru

ctur

al St

age

B PE

FA_A

B

PEFA

_REG

BB

TPI_A

Li

BBTP

I_REG

M

SOBI

_A

M SO

TR_A

M

COTO

_G

M CO

TO_H

IW

M OD

HC_F

DW

M OD

HC_S

TW

M OD

HC_F

DSp

M OD

HC_S

TSp

M OD

HC_F

DS

M OD

HC_S

TS


HwCw - Salal


CwHw - Sword fern


BaCw - Foamflower

7 N N L H X U L H 4 4 2 4 3 3 1 N N M L X U L L 2 2 4 2 4 2 2 N N H L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 3 3 2 3 2 3

CWHvm1

HwBa - Deer fern

5 N N L M X U L M 3 3 2 4 2 4



6 N N L M X U L H 4 4 2 4 2 4 7 N N L H X U L H 3 4 2 5 2 5

Su

bzon

e

Ecos

yste

m U

nit

Nam

e

Stru

ctur

al St

age

B PE

FA_A

B

PEFA

_REG

BB

TPI_A

Li

BBTP

I_REG

M

SOBI

_A

M SO

TR_A

M

COTO

_G

M CO

TO_H

IW

M OD

HC_F

DW

M OD

HC_S

TW

M OD

HC_F

DSp

M OD

HC_S

TSp

M OD

HC_F

DS

M OD

HC_S

TS


BaCw - Salmonberry

7 N N L H X U L H 2 4 4 5 4 5 1 N N M L X U L L 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 2 2 2 4 2 4 5 N N L M X U L M 2 2 2 4 2 4 6 N N L M X U L H 3 3 2 5 2 5

Pl – Sphagnum

7 N N L H X U L H 3 3 2 5 2 5 1 N N M L U U L L 2 2 5 2 5 2 2 N N H L U U L L 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 N N M L U U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L U U L L 2 2 2 3 2 3 5 N N L M U U L M 2 3 2 3 2 3 6 N N L M U U L H 2 4 2 4 2 4


7 N N L H U U L H 2 4 3 4 3 4 1 N L M L X U M L 3 2 3 2 3 2 2 N L H L X U M L 2 2 2 2 2 2

CWHvm1

Cw – Fern bluffs

3 N L M L X U M L 2 2 2 2 2 2



4 N L L L X U M L 2 3 2 4 2 4 5 N L L M X U M M 3 3 2 4 2 4 6 N L L M X U M H 3 4 2 5 2 5

7 N L L H X U M H 3 5 2 5 2 5



Subz

one

Ecos

yste

m U

nit

Nam

e

Stru

ctur

al St

age

B PE

FA_A

B

PEFA

_REG

BB

TPI_A

Li

BBTP

I_REG

M

SOBI

_A

M SO

TR_A

M

COTO

_G

M CO

TO_H

IW

M OD

HC_F

DW

M OD

HC_S

TW

M OD

HC_F

DSp

M OD

HC_S

TSp

M OD

HC_F

DS

M OD

HC_S

TS

1 N L M L X U L L 2 2 5 2 5 2 2 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 2 3 3 4 3 4 5 N N L L X U L M 2 3 3 4 3 4 6 N N L M X U L H 2 4 4 5 4 5

HwBa - Blueberry

7 N N L M X U L M 2 4 4 5 4 5 1 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 N N H L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 2 3 3 4 3 4 5 N N L L X U L M 2 3 3 4 3 4 6 N N L M X U L H 2 4 4 5 4 5

HwCw - Salal


BaCw - Foamflower

7 N N L M X U L M 4 4 4 4 4 5 1 N N M L X U L L 2 2 4 2 4 2 2 N N H L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 2 3 3 4 3 4

CWHvm2

HwBa – Deer fern

5 N N L L X U L M 2 3 3 4 3 4



6 N N L M X U L H 2 4 4 5 4 5 7 N N L M X U L M 2 4 4 5 4 5

Su

bzon

e

Ecos

yste

m U

nit

Nam

e

Stru

ctur

al St

age

B PE

FA_A

B

PEFA

_REG

BB

TPI_A

Li

BBTP

I_REG

M

SOBI

_A

M SO

TR_A

M

COTO

_G

M CO

TO_H

IW

M OD

HC_F

DW

M OD

HC_S

TW

M OD

HC_F

DSp

M OD

HC_S

TSp

M OD

HC_F

DS

M OD

HC_S

TS

1 N N M L X U L L 2 2 4 2 4 2 2 N N H L X U L L 2 2 4 2 4 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 2 3 2 3 2 3 5 N N L L X U L M 2 3 2 3 2 3 6 N N L M X U L H 2 4 3 4 3 4

BaCw - Salmonberry


Pl – Sphagnum

7 N N L M X U L M 3 3 2 5 2 5 1 N N M L U U L L 2 2 5 2 5 2 2 N N H L U U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L U U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L U U L L 2 2 3 3 2 3 5 N N L L U U L M 2 3 2 3 2 3 6 N N L M U U L H 2 4 2 4 2 4


7 N N L M U U L M 2 4 3 4 2 4 1 N L M L X U M L 3 2 3 2 3 2 2 N L H L X U M L 2 2 2 2 2 2

CWHvm2

Cw – Fern bluffs

3 N L M L X U M L 2 2 2 2 2 2



4 N L L L X U M L 2 3 2 4 2 4 5 N L L L X U M M 3 3 2 4 2 4 6 N L L M X U M H 3 4 2 5 2 5

7 N L L M X U M M 3 4 2 5 2 5



Subz

one

Ecos

yste

m U

nit

Nam

e

Stru

ctur

al St

age

B PE

FA_A

B

PEFA

_REG

BB

TPI_A

Li

BBTP

I_REG

M

SOBI

_A

M SO

TR_A

M

COTO

_G

M CO

TO_H

IW

M OD

HC_F

DW

M OD

HC_S

TW

M OD

HC_F

DSp

M OD

HC_S

TSp

M OD

HC_F

DS

M OD

HC_S

TS


HmBa - Blueberry


HmBa - Mountain-heather


BaHm - Twisted stalk

7 N N L H X U L M 2 3 4 4 4 4 1 N N M L X U L L 2 2 5 2 5 2 2 N N H L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 2 3 3 4 3 4

MHmm1

HmYc – Deer cabbage

5 N N L M X U L M 2 3 3 4 3 4



6 N N L M X U L H 2 4 4 5 4 5 7 N N L H X U L M 2 4 4 5 4 5

Su

bzon

e

Ecos

yste

m

Unit

Nam

e

Stru

ctur

alSt

age

B PE

FA_A

B

PEFA

_REG

BB

TPI_A

Li

BBTP

I_REG

M

SOBI

_A

M SO

TR_A

M

COTO

_G

M CO

TO_H

IW

M OD

HC_F

DW

M OD

HC_S

TW

M OD

HC_F

DSp

M OD

HC_S

TSp

M OD

HC_F

DS

M OD

HC_S

TS


YcHm - Hellebore


HmYc - Sphagnum


YcHm - Skunk cabbage

7 N N L H X U L M 2 4 3 5 4 5 1 N M M L X U M L 2 2 5 2 5 2 2 N M H L X U M L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N M M L X U M L 2 2 2 2 2 2

MHmm1

Yc – Rhacomitrium bluffs

4 N M L L X U M L 2 3 2 4 3 4



5 N M L M X U M M 2 3 2 4 3 4 6 N M L M X U M H 2 4 3 5 4 5

7 N M L H X U M M 2 4 3 5 4 5



Subz

one

Ecos

yste

m U

nit

Nam

e

Stru

ctur

al St

age

B PE

FA_A

B

PEFA

_REG

BB

TPI_A

Li

BBTP

I_REG

M

SOBI

_A

M SO

TR_A

M

COTO

_G

M CO

TO_H

IW

M OD

HC_F

DW

M OD

HC_S

TW

M OD

HC_F

DSp

M OD

HC_S

TSp

M OD

HC_F

DS

M OD

HC_S

TS


MHmm1 HmYc – Blueberry – Mountain heather

7 N N L H X U L M 3 4 4 5 4 5 1 N N M L X U L L 2 2 3 2 5 2 2 N N L L X U L L 2 2 2 2 4 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 2 2 2 3 3 4 5 N N L L X U L M 2 2 3 3 3 4 6 N N L L X U L H 2 3 3 4 4 5

MHmmp1 Hm – Mountain heather parkland

7 N N L L X U L M 2 3 3 4 4 5 1 N N M L X U L L 2 2 3 2 5 2 2 N N H L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 N N M L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 N N L L X U L L 2 2 2 2 2 2 5 N N L L X U L M 2 3 2 3 2 3 6 N N L L X U L H 2 4 3 4 3 4

MHmmp1 Lichen - Hm parkland

7 N N L L X U L M 2 4 3 4 3 4



Subz

one

Ecos

yste

m U

nit

Nam

e

Stru

ctur

al St

age

B PE

FA_A

B

PEFA

_REG

BBTP

IALi

BBTP

I_REG

M SO

BI_A

M

SOTR

_A

M CO

TO_G

M

COTO

_HIW

M

ODHC

_FDW

M

ODHC

_STW

M

ODHC

_FDS

p M

ODHC

_STS

p M

ODHC

_FDS

M

ODHC

_STS

Tufted clubrush – Sphagnum bog M N L N U U N L 2 2 3 2 3 2

Carex fen M N L N U U N L 1 1 4 1 4 1 Hardhack - Sweet gale wetland M N M N U U N L 1 2 4 1 4 1

Ninebark – Skunk cabbage swamp M N L N U U N L 2 2 5 2 5 2

Sitka alder – Salmonberry L N M N U U L L 2 2 4 2 4 2

Cultivated fields M N L N X U L L 1 2 2 1 2 1 Exposed soil M N L N X X L N 1 1 1 1 1 1 Gravel pit L N N N X U L N 1 1 1 1 1 1 Gravel bars L N N N X U L N 1 1 1 1 1 1 Lake M N N N X X L N 1 1 1 1 1 1 Pond M N N N U U L N 1 1 1 1 1 1 Powerline L N N N X U L N 2 2 4 2 5 2 River L N N N X U L N 1 1 1 1 1 1 Bedrock L N N N X U L H 1 1 1 1 1 1 Road surface L N N N X U L N 1 1 1 1 1 1 Talus L L N N X U L M 1 1 1 1 1 1

Non-forested

Urban/suburban M N N N X U L N 1 1 1 1 1 1

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